Welker ready to play on despite contract issue

Thursday

Jul 26, 2012 at 5:15 PM

FOXBORO _ As might have been predicted, Wes Welker played the role of good soldier Thursday after the Patriots' first training camp practice. The wide receiver said his inability to reach a long-term contract with the team will have no impact on how

Paul Kenyon

FOXBORO _ As might have been predicted, Wes Welker played the role of good soldier Thursday after the Patriots' first training camp practice. The wide receiver said his inability to reach a long-term contract with the team will have no impact on how he plays or acts this season.

"Everyone tried. I tried, they tried. It just didn't work out," Welker said. "It's in the past and we've moved on to this season, which we expect to be a good one. We're working towards it, working hard to have a great season this year."

Welker, who has avoided controversy throughout his career, will play the season under the franchise tag, meaning that he will receive $9.5 million. He wanted a long-term deal, reportedly for three years, but he and the team could not agree. Negotiations are not allowed again until after the season.

"I approach it like any other year, go out there and try to help my team win games," he said. "That's the bottom line for me and that's where my focus is. Whatever my role is, go out there and really just try to help the team win."

Coach Bill Belichick was brief with his response when asked about Welker's situation.

"We go through that situation with every player. Some players we reach agreements with; some players we don't," he said.

The afternoon practice drew more than 12,000 fans, a record for one session in team history.